Patentable/Patents/US-11976681
US-11976681

Screw nut with barcode pattern segments

PublishedMay 7, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A screw nut includes a through hole defined by the screw nut, an internal thread that projects into the through hole, and a face that surrounds the through hole. At least three barcode patterns are disposed on the face where the at least three barcode patterns have an identical content.

Patent Claims
8 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least three first barcode patterns are identical.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut is designed to improve assembly processes by integrating barcode patterns for tracking and automation. The nut includes a cylindrical body with an internal thread for engaging a screw and an outer surface featuring at least three barcode patterns. These patterns are arranged around the circumference of the nut and are identical in design. The barcodes encode information such as part identification, manufacturing data, or assembly instructions, enabling automated systems to read and process the information during production or installation. The identical barcodes ensure consistency in data retrieval, reducing errors in automated handling. The nut may also include additional features like a flange or a locking mechanism to enhance functionality. The barcode patterns are positioned to remain visible and readable even when the nut is partially installed, ensuring reliable data capture throughout the assembly process. This design supports traceability, quality control, and automation in manufacturing and assembly workflows.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the screw nut comprises three first barcode patterns that are disposed on the first face.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut is designed to facilitate automated assembly processes by providing machine-readable identification and orientation information. The nut includes a first face with three distinct barcode patterns. These barcodes are arranged to encode data such as part identification, manufacturing details, or assembly instructions. The patterns are positioned to allow optical sensors to read them during installation, ensuring correct alignment and reducing errors in automated systems. The barcodes may also include orientation markers to guide robotic tools for precise fastening. This design improves efficiency in manufacturing lines by enabling real-time tracking and verification of components. The screw nut may further include additional features, such as a second face with a different barcode pattern or a threaded portion for secure attachment. The use of multiple barcodes enhances reliability by providing redundant data, ensuring accurate identification even if one pattern is obscured or damaged. This system supports automation in industries like automotive, electronics, and machinery assembly, where precise component tracking is critical. The barcode patterns are optimized for high-speed scanning, reducing production bottlenecks and improving overall throughput.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least three first barcode patterns are arranged in a circumferentially non-overlapping relationship to each other on the first face.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut with an embedded barcode identification system is designed to enhance traceability and authentication in manufacturing and assembly processes. The nut includes a first face with at least three barcode patterns, each encoding unique data such as manufacturing details, batch information, or quality control metrics. These barcodes are arranged in a circumferentially non-overlapping manner to ensure clear readability and prevent interference during scanning. The non-overlapping arrangement allows for reliable data extraction even when the nut is partially obscured or installed in tight spaces. The barcode patterns may be etched, printed, or molded directly onto the nut's surface, ensuring durability and resistance to wear. This design enables automated tracking and verification, reducing errors in assembly lines and improving supply chain transparency. The screw nut may also include additional features such as threading, anti-rotation mechanisms, or locking elements to enhance functionality. The barcode system is particularly useful in industries requiring high precision and traceability, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least three first barcode patterns has a ring-segment-shaped outline.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a screw nut with integrated barcode patterns for enhanced tracking, authentication, or identification. The screw nut includes at least three first barcode patterns arranged on its surface, each having a ring-segment-shaped outline. These patterns are distributed around the nut's circumference, allowing for multi-directional scanning. The barcode patterns encode information such as manufacturing details, part specifications, or authentication data. The ring-segment shape ensures that at least one barcode is always visible from any angular position, improving readability during assembly or inspection. The nut may also include additional barcode patterns or other identification features for redundancy or expanded functionality. The design is particularly useful in automated manufacturing or quality control systems where quick, reliable identification of fasteners is required. The ring-segment arrangement ensures that the barcodes remain intact even if the nut is partially obscured or damaged, maintaining functionality in harsh environments. The invention addresses the need for durable, machine-readable identification on small, cylindrical components where traditional labeling methods are impractical.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least three first barcode patterns are equidistantly spaced from each other.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut is designed to facilitate precise assembly and identification in manufacturing processes. The nut includes a cylindrical body with an internal thread for engaging a corresponding screw. The outer surface of the nut features at least three barcode patterns, which are used for tracking, quality control, or automated assembly. These barcode patterns are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the nut, ensuring uniform readability from multiple angles. The equidistant spacing allows for consistent scanning and reduces the risk of misalignment during automated handling. The barcode patterns may encode information such as part numbers, manufacturing dates, or batch identifiers. The nut may also include additional features, such as a hexagonal or polygonal outer profile for manual tightening, and a flat or serrated surface to enhance grip. The design ensures reliable identification and assembly in automated production lines while maintaining compatibility with traditional fastening methods.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least three first barcode patterns each span an angle of 120° or less around a longitudinal axis of the screw nut.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a screw nut with an improved identification system using barcode patterns. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately identifying and tracking screw nuts, particularly in automated manufacturing or assembly processes where visual inspection or manual handling is impractical. Traditional identification methods, such as printed labels or engravings, may wear off or become illegible over time, leading to errors in part selection or assembly. The screw nut includes at least three distinct barcode patterns arranged around its circumference. Each barcode pattern spans an angle of 120° or less around the longitudinal axis of the screw nut, ensuring that at least one barcode is always visible from any viewing angle. This design allows for reliable identification even if part of the nut is obscured or if the nut is rotated. The barcode patterns may encode information such as part specifications, manufacturing details, or serial numbers. The patterns are applied to the nut's surface using methods like laser engraving, printing, or molding, ensuring durability and resistance to wear. The arrangement and spacing of the barcodes enable quick and accurate scanning by automated systems, improving efficiency in production lines and reducing errors in part handling. The invention is particularly useful in industries requiring high precision and traceability, such as automotive, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The screw nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least three first barcode patterns each comprise a two-dimensional barcode.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut with integrated two-dimensional barcode patterns is designed to enhance traceability and authentication in manufacturing and assembly processes. The nut includes at least three distinct barcode patterns, each encoded with unique identification data. These barcodes are embedded in the nut's surface, allowing for automated scanning and verification of the nut's specifications, origin, and authenticity. The use of two-dimensional barcodes enables high-density data storage, supporting detailed tracking of manufacturing parameters, batch information, and quality control metrics. This system addresses challenges in supply chain transparency and counterfeit detection, ensuring that nuts meet required standards and specifications. The barcodes are resistant to wear and environmental degradation, maintaining readability throughout the nut's lifecycle. This design is particularly useful in industries where component traceability is critical, such as aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery. The integration of multiple barcodes enhances redundancy, ensuring data integrity even if one barcode becomes damaged. The nut's structure and barcode placement are optimized to prevent interference with threading or fastening operations. This solution provides a robust, automated method for verifying component authenticity and tracking throughout production and usage.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The screw nut according to claim 9, further comprising a drive surface, wherein the drive surface connects the first face with the second face.

Plain English Translation

A screw nut is designed to engage with a threaded shaft, facilitating rotational or linear motion in mechanical systems. A common challenge in screw nut applications is ensuring efficient torque transmission while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing wear. This invention addresses these issues by incorporating a drive surface that connects two opposing faces of the nut. The drive surface enhances load distribution, reduces stress concentrations, and improves engagement with mating components. The first face of the nut interfaces with a threaded shaft, while the second face may interact with a bearing, housing, or other structural element. The drive surface ensures smooth torque transfer between these faces, preventing premature failure and improving overall system reliability. The design may also include features like internal threading, external threading, or flanges to accommodate specific mounting or functional requirements. By integrating the drive surface, the screw nut achieves better performance in high-load or high-speed applications, such as automotive, industrial machinery, or aerospace systems. The invention optimizes material usage, reduces manufacturing complexity, and extends the operational lifespan of the nut.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

June 23, 2020

Publication Date

May 7, 2024

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